stuff i like…and stuff i don't

13 Cheaper Alternatives To Life’s Expensive Necessities

Sure, Vitamix and Le Creuset are great if you want to spend all your money. But we found the next best thing that will save you tons.

Thinkstock / Amazon / Ninja / Google / Amazon

Blender: Vitamix vs. Ninja

In this test, the Ninja and the Vitamix performed almost exactly the same making smoothies and milkshakes. The Vitamix was a little quieter and easier to clean, but for $320 less, the Ninja is a great alternative. Get one here.

Vacuum: Dyson vs. Shark

Dutch Oven: Le Creuset vs. Lodge

In this test, both brands performed exactly the same. The Le Creuset comes in slightly different volumes (3 1/2, 4 1/2, 5 1/2 & 7 1/2 quart) than the Lodge (3, 4.6, 6, 7 quart), but otherwise the $350 difference doesn't get you anything different. Check out the Lodge here.